The discussion was held in the framework of the All-Ukrainian Forum "Transforming State Youth Policy: Perspective 2020" organized by the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine and supported by UNFPA Ukraine, Bohdan Hawrylyshyn Charitable Foundation, Institute of Family and Youth Policy and Ukrainian Association of Students’ Self-governance.

The Concept of the State program has been drafted by the Institute for Family and Youth Policy and presented by Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine Mr. Dmitro Bulatov.

The Concept identified four priorities that are important for development and empowerment of Ukrainian youth. These are informal education, employment, housing and a healthy lifestyle. For each of these priorities, the Ministry outlined several projects to be implemented in cooperation with the corresponding ministries and agencies.

It is expected that the text of the State Program Concept will be finalized by mid-September. The document “State program on Youth Policy till 2020” is planned to be disclosed for public discussion by mid-November.

UNFPA Representative for Ukraine Ms. Nuzhat Ehsan took part in the opening session of the All-Ukrainian Forum "Transforming State Youth Policy: Perspective 2020." In her welcoming remarks she stressed that “Young people are the future of this country and, therefore, should be put in the center of the development agenda. Young Ukrainians have shown to the world that they have a vision for a better future, that they have the power for transformations, and that they are ready and willing to work hard to build a better Ukraine on the principles of real democracy, fairness, transparency and good governance.”